"We want something cabin-y." This is something I hear ALL the time. Most of my clients want to escape from the city to their mountain home that really feels mountainous. But here's the thing, you can still get that feeling without the bears and lacquered wood. Don't get me wrong, a lot of people love that look and it is important to decorate your home to fit your taste. But, if you're looking for something current or are hoping to maximize your rental potential, kicking that traditional cabin look may be the … [Read more...]
Looking to Ditch That Big Bear Cabin Look? Here’s Some Tips to Modernizing Your Mountain Home….
April 28, 2020 by 2 Comments
Big Bear Facts!
January 22, 2013 by 3 Comments
There are several misconceptions the Big Bear area can't seem to get rid of. Logic and hearsay don't always come together. Until I visited Big Bear my first time, I had a few of these preconceived notions. Do any of these sound familiar? * Big Bear doesn't have electricity. I was asked this question, while the TV was blaring in the background. * Big Bear doesn't have running water. That has to be a fact because... * Big Bear's residents all live in little 1-room log cabins in the deep, dark forest. * … [Read more...]
Big Bear Healthcare Services
January 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment
For a relatively small community, Big Bear is fortunate to have excellent health care services. This includes a top rated hospital (4 out of 5 stars), private practice doctors and dentists, ambulance services, chiropractors, optometrists, and two large chain pharmacies. Big Bear also has two excellent veterinary clinics to care for our pets and the occasional injured wild animal. The “Bear Valley Community Healthcare District” encompasses our local hospital with emergency services, acute care, radiology, … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Buyers – First Time Tips
December 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Buying a home is one of the largest purchases most of us will make. The real estate market in Big Bear has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. Prices have fluctuated significantly, as have the number of homes for sale, and getting a loan ain't what it used to be. Here are five tips to simplify the process of buying real estate in Big Bear today - 1. Lenders and budget. Research lenders first and use their advice in determining your budget. Get pre-qualified. Don’t assume that because your credit is … [Read more...]
Nuances of Mountain Living
November 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Purchasing a Big Bear mountain home is a different decision than purchasing one “down the hill.” You’ll want to be prepared for the change from urban living to our mountaintop lifestyle. Expect changes in trash pickup, mail delivery and even grocery shopping. Trash pickup is determined by your neighborhood. Big Bear Lake and parts of Big Bear City have regular trash pickup. Once you get out to the east Valley, like Baldwin Lake, you have to take your trash to the dump (as a resident, there is no charge). Big Bear … [Read more...]
Home Warranties
October 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The last thing a home buyer wants to worry about after closing is an expensive repair in their new home. Since that can cover a multitude of items and systems, it's a good idea to get a home protection plan. It's especially a good idea if you're a first-time home buyer with no “do-it-yourself” skills. Most homebuyers may not be be particularly well informed about home warranty policies, home warranty companies, or the various optional coverage available, and should ask their real estate agent for guidance. Who … [Read more...]
Interest Rates May Have Bottomed Out
August 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The Big Bear real estate market has been picking up steam lately thanks to the correction in home prices and historic low interest rates. And while many potential home buyers have been waiting on the sidelines for an indication that the market has bottomed out, the recent up-tick in interest rates may be signaling that the time to buy a Big Bear home or investment property is NOW. The most recent “Primary Mortgage Market Survey” by Freddie Mac reports that fixed mortgage rates moved higher following stronger … [Read more...]
Local Real Estate – Fixer-uppers
July 22, 2012 by 1 Comment
Wikipedia defines a fixer-upper as a “real estate property that will require maintenance or work, though it can be usually lived in as is.” If you’re in love with old homes, the idea can be irresistible. Advantages: Purchase a home in a good neighborhood at a lower price Increase the net worth of your investment Here are our suggestions: 1. Do the math first. Add up the expected expenses of renovation, accurately reflecting the cost of materials and labor. Then subtract the expected value. Experts from the … [Read more...]
Title Insurance
July 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Title insurance provides coverage for certain losses in the title that may have occurred prior to your ownership. It protects against claims resulting from various defects such as prior fraud or forgery that might go undetected until after closing, including liens, encumbrances, and defects that were unknown when the title policy was issued and may possibly hurt your ownership or investment. What protection am I receiving with a title policy? A title insurance policy contains provisions for the payment of the … [Read more...]
The Escrow Process – Part 1
June 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Congratulations! You’ve negotiated an agreed upon sales price on a perfect piece of Big Bear real estate. So now what happens? It’s time to open escrow. Very simply defined, an escrow is a deposit of funds, a deed or other instrument by one party for the delivery to another party upon completion of a particular condition or event. In California, escrow companies are regulated by the Department of Corporations or the Department of Real Estate and must undergo constant scrutiny. They are required to hold funds in … [Read more...]
